Hi all,

Some of you may remember me from Sword Forum. For those who don't, I'm Robert Marks. I'm an author (my most recent book was the EverQuest Companion from McGraw-Hill, which was NOT a strategy guide), and a freelance sword designer with Last Legend (I was on the design team for the Last Legend Ranger).

Back in 2002, I wrote a book for beginners about how to buy swords over the summer. Once it was finished, it was pitched to various publishers as an illustrated book. The working title was "The Practical Guide to Sword Buying".

Unfortunately, while all of the publishers thought it was a good book that is needed in the market, they all also thought it was too short (it was only around 85 pages in draft form, which would probably translate to about 125 pages published), and told me that I could resubmit it after it had been revised and legthened. However, when I asked them if they could give me a bit more feedback about what parts of the book needed to be in more detail, they never got back to me.

So, I was wondering if I might be able to get some opinions on this matter from you folks. As many of you have been in the sword community for some time, and many are industry professionals, what do you think should be in a book about how to buy swords for beginners? As is, the book is currently instructional in nature.

The current chapter list is:

I. The Parts of a Sword Page 9
II. The Riddle of Steel Page 18
III. Decorative Swords Page 29
IV. Re-enactment Swords Page 34
V. Cutting Swords Page 43
VI. Custom Swords Page 48
VII. Fantasy Swords Page 55
VIII. Sword Care Page 61
IX. Sword Buying Tips Page 72
Appendix: Sword Laws Page 76

Anyway, I'd appreciate any advce you might be able to offer.

Best to all,

Robert Marks

I like the three categories that scored 25-33%, and I'll buy a copy from anyone that would publish it, no matter the length. Good Luck. :D

I like the three categories that scored 25-33%, and I'll buy a copy from anyone that would publish it, no matter the length. Good Luck. :D